In Preaching Articles: "Ministry Wisdom"

John Piper: My View Of Preaching

By John Piper on Aug 21, 2024

True preaching is expository exultation explaining the Bible and exulting over its truth. This vision shapes the church, fuels worship, and carries eternal weight.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, Psalm 119:18, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 10:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

Narrative Preaching: Do You Make These 10 Mistakes?

By Peter Mead on Jul 3, 2020

Biblical narratives lose their power when preachers flatten them into lessons or principles. Avoid common pitfalls and learn how to preach stories as God intended.

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14, Judges 6:11-24, Luke 10:25-37, John 2:1-11

Tags: Preaching Ministry

Preach Like A Storyteller

By Ray Hollenbach on May 11, 2021

If audiences will sit for hours watching story-driven films, preachers must ask why sermons often struggle to hold attention. The answer is narrative power.

Scripture: Joshua 2:2-5, Luke 24:27, Mark 4:34, Acts 17:2-3

Tags: Expository Ministry

Why Preachers Must Embrace Both/And Truth

By Chris Surber on Jun 5, 2021

Biblical preaching often presents truths that appear contradictory at first glance. Wise preachers help their congregations understand how these truths fit together within the whole counsel of Scripture.

Scripture: James 2:14-26, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

When To Throw Away Your Sermon Notes

By Ted Smith on Nov 13, 2020

Preaching without notes is not inherently more spiritual than preaching from a manuscript. Wisdom, not romanticism, should govern the choice.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discernment, Preaching, neglect, habit, preaching, Notes  (view more)  (view less)

How Pastors Can Preach On Money Without Losing Their Congregation

By Joe Mckeever on Nov 30, 2020

Preaching on money can be difficult for pastors. Learn practical principles for teaching biblical stewardship with wisdom, integrity, and spiritual sensitivity.

Scripture: Matthew 6:21, Mark 12:41-44, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Malachi 3:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Money, Budget, Preaching, finances, Learning, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Building A Preaching Team – Part Ii: Calendars, Rhythms And Getting Everyone On The Same Page

By Ross Lester on May 14, 2024

Many people are intrigued but leery of using a preaching team approach. This article aims to provide some practical answers to the obstacles involved in the process.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Preaching Help, Pastoral Ministry, Pulpit Ministry, church ministry, Preaching Team, Ministry help, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Benefits To Not Changing Churches

By Dean Shriver on Jul 10, 2021

Staying with one congregation models commitment, grows maturity, deepens preaching, builds trust, reveals generational fruit, and prepares pastors for final accountability.

Scripture: Colossians 3:13-14, Colossians 3:13, John 10:11-13, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 13:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Church, mistakes, affliction, Leave, ministry, church  (view more)  (view less)

When Preaching Opportunities Are Limited

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 21, 2021

Many associate or assistant ministers feel called to preach but receive few opportunities in their local church. Faithful ministry often requires serving in supporting roles while finding other outlets to proclaim God’s Word.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Colossians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:58  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Support, Preaching, opportunity, lead, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Eight Reasons Churches Became Too Busy

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 29, 2022

Is your church too busy to do ministry?

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Tags: Ministry, leadership, Busyness, pastoral leadership, Leadership, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

When People Make Up Stories About You: A Pastor’s Guide To Handling Labels

By Charles Stone on Jul 31, 2024

Pastors are often misunderstood and mischaracterized. Responding with wisdom, restraint, and Christlike character helps transform false stories into God-honoring ones.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:12

Tags: Church Relationships

The Hidden Struggles Of The Introverted Pastor

By Ron Edmondson on May 30, 2020

Introverted pastors often face misunderstandings, exhaustion, and hidden stress. Naming these struggles helps leaders guard their souls and shepherd with wisdom.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, Mark 6:31, Philippians 2:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Ecclesiastes 4:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: self awareness, Self Awareness

The Power Of Saying: I Don't Know

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 6, 2020

In preaching, politics, and pastoral care, wisdom is often found not in having answers, but in knowing when silence and humility honor God most.

Scripture: John 11:32-35, Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 11:33-36, Job 38:1-4, James 1:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, leadership, Preaching, counsel, pastoral care, Leadership, communication, preaching, Pastoral Care  (view more)  (view less)

Your Congregation Needs An Arc Of Hope, Not A String Of Pearls

By Nathan Aaseng on Nov 5, 2021

In our information-saturated age, your listeners have all the gems of wisdom they need, far more than they can process.

Tags: Parable, Hope, Preaching, string of pearls, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Last Minute Preaching Tips

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 27, 2020

Pastoral wisdom reminds us that preaching is personal, formational, and inseparably tied to humility, truth, and the living Christ. These quotes challenge and sharpen us.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation